China slams US malicious suppression of its distant-water fisheries

China on Friday rejected a report by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in which it announced negative certifications for China over illegal fishing and other issues.

These "certifications" pursuant to US domestic law has neither factual evidence nor basis in international law, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular news briefing.

"It is stark political manipulation with the malicious aim of thwarting the development of China's distant water fishing industry. We deplore and reject this move," Guo said.

Guo said China is a responsible fishing nation, while the United States, in contrast, has a deplorable track record in illegal fishing, marine resource depletion and ocean pollution.

"What the United States should do is reflect on itself rather than smear others," said the spokesperson.

With sound legislation, strict enforcement and rigorous judicial oversight, China has ranked among the top in compliance assessments of regional fisheries management organizations, Guo said. He also added that in April 2025, China officially acceded to the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, and it has been playing an active role in global fisheries governance and marine fishery resources protection.

Guo said that the US has been overfishing tuna beyond quotas in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, with numerous cases of violations identified by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.

"China stands ready to work with all parties to improve global fisheries governance, uphold international maritime order, and contribute to conservation and sustainable use of marine resources through concrete actions," Guo said.